Help me adjust the speed on this old drill press

[BlackdogGS]

I got this drill press 20 years ago from my father-in-law. All this time the speed was way too high but I was too lazy to adjust it. Well today I needed to drill some 1” holes through 1/4” plate so I had to slow it down. I must be missing some parts as there’s no good secure way to tighten the belt. You can see what I did with the rod and vice grip to make it work. What am I missing and what an I doing wrong? Thanks

 

[c39er]

This is mine....loosen the hex bolt...push the rod toward motor base plate. That tightens the thin 1/4" wide belt.

 

[BlackdogGS]

This is mine....loosen the hex bolt...push the rod toward motor base plate. That tightens the thin 1/4" wide belt.

That helps a lot. I’ll look at again in the morning. Where can I source another belt?

 

[dogdog]

Hf have this brand but a bit pricey, the good thing is that it doesn’t set after sitting for a long time unused with tension.
All older machine tool belts are either Type A or B belts mostly and the size would dependents. I have it installed on the drill press for about 20 years so far so good. Used to cost $20 now $35.

Another good thing about these is its size adjustable.

Hf only have the b type I think that is green, if you need the A type, you will have to go online, they are red in color instead

Vibration-Free Link Belt

Amazing deals on this Vibration-Free Link Belt at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[BillK]

Just want to add that I don't think that drill is ever going to work well with a 1" bit in steel. When I use that size bit here at my shop my drill is at 73 rpm. It's a 2hp gear driven machine and still does not like drilling 1" holes.

 

[jblnut]

There is a member on here that makes a set of speed reducing pulleys for drill presses. Not sure if yours would accept them or not but my ancient Delta did and it’s absolutely amazing the difference they made.

I drill some big stuff with it and haven’t had issues with bits getting hot or destroying them. I have a set up to 2” in a twist style and have use up to 1-7/8” without issue. I will always drill a pilot hole so maybe that helps ? I’ve never check the RPMs now that the slow down kit is installed but it moves quite slow.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Two things you should consider:

1. Hole cutters such as Hougen (much less loading on your poor old drill press), or even the following from HF.

1-3/8 in. Carbide Tipped Hole Cutter

Amazing deals on this 1-3/8In Carbide Tipped Hole Cutter at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

2. Reducing your RPM with a middle pulley like I have on one of my drill presses. Don't know who made it. My dad installed it decades ago, but it is still working beautifully. Maybe this is the accessory JBLNUT above is referring to.

 

[WillyBoy]

Are you starting with the 1 inch bit? Or are you working up in 1/4 inch increments?
The hole cutter that jmark referred to will cut the hole without turning the entire void into chips.

 

[BlackdogGS]

I was able to drill the 1” holes last night. Yes, I started with 1/4” and worked up.

 

[c39er]

I have drilled many 1" holes in 3/8" plate for parts on my dozer using the 15-1/2" Craftsman drill press.
Stepping up...going slow and easy.
Bought the DP new in 1975.
Have only replaced the 45"X.190" belt once.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Are you starting with the 1 inch bit? Or are you working up in 1/4 inch increments?
The hole cutter that jmark referred to will cut the hole without turning the entire void into chips.

Well said Willy.